Step into The Looking Glass, Charlottesville’s immersive outdoor art experience, featuring over 25 local artists. Join the community every 1st Thursday for free admission and interactive exhibits that spark the imagination.
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
1–2 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for all fitness levels as the walk is gentle and around a park setting with plenty of places to rest.
Wildlife
History
IX Art Park was established on a former industrial site and has become a community hub for creativity and environmental restoration.
Conservation
The park emphasizes sustainable art practices by encouraging recycled materials and maintaining green spaces for local wildlife.
IX Art Park
Step into The Looking Glass, Charlottesville’s immersive outdoor art experience, featuring over 25 local artists. Join the community every 1st Thursday for free admission and interactive exhibits that spark the imagination.
IX Art Park is Virginia’s first immersive art space, created and maintained by a collective of over 25 local artists. Located in Charlottesville, IX Art Park transforms an abandoned industrial site into a walkable, sensory-rich environment where immersive installations, interactive exhibits, live music, and themed festivals blend with community-driven programming.
Events span monthly mixers, seasonal festivals, and headline performances that welcome families, nightlife crowds, and art collectors alike. The Looking Glass—IX’s flagship immersive forest—rotates installations from a diverse roster of creators, ensuring fresh surprises on every visit. The venue hosts free-admission Community Days, themed nights like 1/2 Price Fridays, and special ticketed events such as Fantasy Fest and Swansong Concerts.
Accessibility, local collaboration, and experiential storytelling are central to IX Art Park’s mission. The organization curates partnerships with makers, musicians, and performers and offers annual experiences including an After Dark Pass for recurring patrons. Food, craft cocktails, and vendor markets frequently complement immersive exhibits to create multi-sensory gatherings.
Safety and professionalism guide event operations: clearly posted hours, age-designated nights (family-friendly Thursdays and 18+ Fridays), and staffed entrances ensure an organized guest experience. IX Art Park has become a trusted cultural destination in Central Virginia by prioritizing artist compensation, transparency in programming, and immersive design that inspires curiosity.
Visitors are encouraged to check event schedules and ticket details online before arrival. IX Art Park provides regular updates about new installations, festival dates, and community programming to keep guests informed and engaged. Sign up for the mailing list to receive event alerts.
Local Artists
25+
Over 25 contributing local artists
First in VA
Virginia’s first
Pioneer immersive art space
Regular Events
Monthly & Seasonal
First Thursdays offer free admission
After Dark Pass
Yearly access
Includes up to six drinks annually
Reserve tickets, check event schedules, or choose an After Dark Pass for year-round immersive access.
Arrive Early for the Best Experience
The event can get busy after sunset, so arriving early gives you ample time to explore exhibits in daylight.
Wear Comfortable Shoes
You’ll be walking on uneven park paths, so sturdy, comfortable footwear is recommended.
Bring a Light Jacket
Evenings in Virginia can get cool, especially in spring and fall, so dress in layers.
Respect the Art Displays
Stay on designated paths and avoid touching installations unless indicated to preserve the art for everyone.
Comfortable Walking Shoes
To comfortably explore the park’s varied paths and terrain.
Light Jacket or Layered Clothing
Useful for cooler evenings especially in spring, fall, and winter.
spring|fall|winter
Bug Spray
Helps protect against mosquitoes during warm summer evenings.
summer
Portable Phone Charger
Keeps your devices powered to capture photos and stay connected during your visit.